If space
Wisdom. . appreciation of human needs, beauty of living and artistic development. Admete then speaks. take the place representing the center jewel, love. Inside the Temple
our Fraternity. Thus was it held divine by the Greeks from whom it was handed
its requirements. each chapter to perpetuate the use of our Ritual with a correct understanding of
She is assisted by Iris who
symbolic of true sisterhood in Alpha Chi Omega. first step toward initiation into Alpha Chi Omega Fraternity. She
With this heraldic symbol in mind, we go forth to strive for the ideals of
sisterhood, and is never bestowed by anyone except the High Priestess at the
She leads them to
Your willingness to enter the portal imposes upon you a
syllable of Alpha and the last syllable of Omega, keeping Chi as the middle
by knocking on the hall table while she speaks one long, two short,
society.
speaks or uses one mounted on the wall behind her. deeds, she completed her journey through the Valley of Strife and found herself
"It wasn't what we needed. ADMETE: Then repeat after me the Oath. ADMETE: Then repeat after me the Oath. The complete cipher, Pi Tau Pi, signifies Alpha Chi Omega. Your journey is over, and you have learned much on the way. her seat on the throne. initiates. begin speaking. those values set forth in our Ceremonies and summarized in our open motto:
chiomega@chiomega.com. ancient symbols of mythology. chapter members are required to be present at the ceremony unless excused by the
Upon movement of the line in
symbolic of true sisterhood in Alpha Chi Omega. temptations. minds created deities dwelling on Olympus, who symbolized for man those virtues
- throughout my pledgeship. Eunomia plays the
While the wreaths are being distributed, Euterpe softly plays
IRIS: By their sincere desire to become worthy representatives of
the flicker of the hearth fire and the glow of the flame, the very blood
Helios, the sun god, traveled as much under the earth as over it and knew Persephones location. All nature is organized
the initiates in their places to face toward the Hall of Achievement (Third
As you take this emblem from my hand. The performance of our Ritual is meant to
Pledge pins equal
members in front of the Third Hall, and upon this clue, this line turns to its
Omega songs, such as "Long Have I Cherished" or "Girl of the
individual chapters must be sure to notify each prospective new member of the
perfect mangle. base of the mangle and through the place left vacant by Eunomia and toward the
ask a former initiate to be his guide or mystagogue, This ancient custom of
harmony and clarity. Third, live to benefit others. EUNOMIA: Initiates, please kneel, while upon your head I place
there is a large number of Initiates. toward the mountain to attain her goal, but she soon found herself in the Valley
grip, explaining the response. line in front of the First Hall. Pause for new member response. Arise. convened in the Temple of Light where the mystic rites of Alpha Chi Omega will
The chapter sings
Watch full episodes and live stream OWN whenever and wherever you want. She set forth
initiates in their places to face toward the throne. initiates and take her place at the base of the triangle. bottom of the backend of their scarves, to the right shoulder of the chapter
Memphis TN, 38125 OPRAH IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF HARPO, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2023 HARPO PRODUCTIONS, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. our Greek name. neighbor, your country or you: God. time we participate in our Ritual, we are reminded of and challenged to uphold
After all wreaths have been
to each the love and loyalty which one sister has the right to demand of
stir our aesthetic sensibilities. reforming the line in front of the Second Hall. promise.
hers as well to form the scroll. The cornerstone of our Temple is the secret motto,
3395 Players Club Pkwy peace and truth. "It wasn't closed or anything like that. We bind ourselves to work faithfully and harmoniously for the perfect
altar on which Eirene places the tray. The number of songs is governed by the size of the new member
, translated Together let us seek the Heights,' and
From here on, you will learn to extend loyalty of
Olympus. knowledge:
privilege of initiation, we reserve the right to release you from your pledge
feel will bring new vitality to our group. convened in the Temple of Light where the mystic rites of Alpha Chi Omega will
They stand in place until Euterpe is finished
There you
that I do accept the Bond of Alpha Chi Omega and that I will keep its statutes
rows at the base, and after arranging all the initiates, Iris moves to stand in
Iris sees that each
. feel will bring new vitality to our group. Within this temple there are three pathways: the Halls of Wisdom.
It
interpret through my life the enduring truths of Chi Omega, and that I will always be grateful for its friendships and its inspiration; all of which I promise and declare, with the fixed and steady determination to keep and to perform, binding myself under the penalty of having ignominy and disgrace essential jewels in our badge. Survivors of March 26, 1987, gather at the Chi O house, January 2012. The performance of our Ritual is meant to
The number of songs is governed by the size of the new member
should disrobe in a separate room, and Iris should remain with them until they
Initiates sign their names in alphabetical order in the Bond Book, together
and empty tray or pillow on the altar, and they, along with Iris, move to stand
PRETANIS: You are now invited to sign our Pledge Record Book. Below the shield is a scroll bearing the Greek words of our open motto,
material with greater feeling than is possible while referring to the text. At that time art appropriate celebration for all initiates
these three Golden Precepts aid you in your search for Love:
If so, the answer is: They are in true accord'. Download the Watch OWN app and access OWN anytime, anywhere. to the number of new members should be on a small tray on the same table as the
To commemorate her long search for her daughter, Demeter went into the city of Eleusis. Upon movement of the line in front of the throne, the line
room where the initiates are being robed. Having found the supplicants worthy in all respects, we are now about
pan of the life of every member, that her formal education, so far removed from
Hebe with the censer. use the same slow step used throughout the ceremony with the right hand on the
throne. let us stand as on Olympus, our feet fixed in the dwelling place of beauty,
PRETANIS: You are now invited to sign our Pledge Record Book. Eunomia may give a signal at this point for everyone to sit; but she continues
attainment of these purposes, provided that nothing herein shall be so construed
with humility. If the chapter feels that a rest period is necessary during the ceremony,
and chapter members walk slowly in a counter-clockwise direction, reforming the
attained. the lyre, was invented by Hermes and played by the gods on Mount Olympus. a sister in the Bond of Alpha Chi Omega. your college. But the maiden, mindful of her fellow travelers, helped them regain their
Initiates repeat: They are in true accord. Let us raise our voices in solemn chant. according to the laws of harmony. returns to her center position, and the Hours then rotate to their right to turn
I agree to relinquish - all claim to initiation into Alpha Chi Omega - should
Crowning these with our open
In the second division there are Three Stars which correspond to the three
I violate these pledges. enclosing the group of initiates. Your path leads again to the
A slow, not hesitating step is used. Admete is seated on the throne holding a scepter in her right hand. Thus a "U" is formed by the two lines
Those who have accepted the invitation extended by Alpha Chi Omega must be
Admete then repeats the following to each individual initiate as the badge is
As always, the lines face inwards toward the initiates. begin speaking. develop you as an individual and as an Alpha Chi Omega. 'The Ritual of Alpha Chi Omega stands as a clear pronouncement of the purposes,
The nature of our Ritual is that of an art form-a pageant, a
of Alpha Chi Omega - as well as the Fraternity at large. diamond-shaped, enamelled in scarlet and olive green, bearing a gold lyre across
So help me God, and may He keep metrue to the end. The new members, led by their mystagogues, take their places among the
the base of the triangle. has left. Having received. Where an Informal Rush Week is involved, the
tray or pillow with the badges from the altar and stands near Hestia. look upon the mysteries pertaining to the temple. has descended from the throne and take their places as the upper, outer jewels. the initiates in their places to face toward the Hall of Achievement (Third
altar on which Eirene places the tray. distributed, Eunomia and Iris return to behind the table. I pledge myself to do all in my power to prepare myself for membership in,
of Alpha Chi Omega, In a larger sense it represents to us the wisdom of the
by florist tape and possibly tied with red and green ribbons.
nods to the line of chapter members in front of the Hall, and upon this cue,
Together
It's very basic. Prepare yourself now for your journey along the mystic pathways leading to
which he sought to attain. remained thereafter as its most exalted priestess. Dike carrying the Bond
Admete leaves the room first by walking through the middle spot in the base
their arms extended until the grip has been given to each initiate. EUNOMIA: First must I have Third
pronounce judgment upon others and let harmony be the keynote in your relations
Hebe and Hestia leave their places after Admete
There was a valley guarded by blue hills rising up to meet the heavens
DIKE reads the following aloud from the Bond Book, allowing the book to rest
National Fraternity. After a Formal Rush Week the local Panhellenic Handbook often,
- throughout my pledgeship. The classics were a primary
were flowers of many shades, but of scarlet there were none. demonstrates and says, "Pretanis" as she gives the sign. Answer, two short, two long. , means goodness,
especially in time of need. Rising from this valley
should be on some type of high standards flanking the table. Then they raise their left arms, holding the
Omega are convened for the purpose of conferring upon you the privileges and
All of the information that you will find here is true, to the best of my knowledge-- based on my experiences with the Sam Houston State University, Sigma Theta chapter of Chi Omega. She leaves a space in the middle of the
symbol the mysteries of the Fraternity. path, comfort he: with your devotion. Chapter President for good and sufficient reason. "(As far as pledges being pressured to drink), alcoholic beverages being pushed on someone does not meet the criminal definition of hazing. Iris speaks. by parable to those not of our Fraternity? assignments. Thus giving, you will someday reach the
Once the initiates are facing the Hall, Iris. There you
Carnations. stipulates the dress for pledging. There you will find the open book
ask a former initiate to be his guide or mystagogue, This ancient custom of
Eunomia looks toward the throne and gestures with her left hand toward
It is the spirit of music,
The lyre within the lyre represents to us the life of
This is a SPECIAL CEREMONY that takes place just before the actual Initiation
above the eyebrow line of the eye. Alpha Chi Omega members have entered. Each stage of
name, our motto and other things pertinent to our Fraternity. hand, green typifies the passive qualities, and in its contemplation, we think
IRIS: By their sincere desire to become worthy representatives of
are
which holds within its pages the keystone of our philosophy. initiates in their places to face toward the throne. is inspiring and helpful; while the center jewel Love, is the heart of the pin,
Encouraging someone to drink or offering them a drink without some sort of forced consumption (does not meet the criminal definition).". In the second division there are Three Stars which correspond to the three
the girl within the Fraternity, while the three strings signify the individual
Admete speaks. (Name removed by Today@Sam at request of "Becky Smith"), who has accused members of SHSU's Sigma Theta chapter of the Chi Omega Fraternity of hazing her and other pledges, filed a statement detailing those actions last week with District Attorney David Weeks. you would keep this flame forever bright, remember to give unceasingly of the
Each
time we participate in our Ritual, we are reminded of and challenged to uphold
focus the eyes of all sisters on our common bond and common purpose: the
you. Initiation Ceremony
reminds us of hope that is ever green and love that never fails. first two verses of the Song of the Living Lyre are sung. In the distance, towering above the valley's blue hills, stood the Mountain
there is a large number of Initiates. You may rely on
The performance of our Ritual is meant to
and one long knocks. "The Song of the Third Golden Key." Should sufficient cause arise for withholding the
Euterpe plays the Processional and Greeting, to Hera as the lyre is
In an adjoining room the Vice President-Pledge Education should arrange the
the Children of Light. policy and stands for absolute fairness in all relations. It may be considered spiritual in the sense
After the ceremony opportunity should be given each mystagogue to talk
She stands to
It is the responsibility of
Upon this scroll is inscribed
should disrobe in a separate room, and Iris should remain with them until they
With this heraldic symbol in mind, we go forth to strive for the ideals of
size a the room and are to be facing toward Admete. It
She was surrounded by others who had stumbled in their efforts to
the high personal, social and scholastic ideas for which we stand, we will
left shoulder on the initiate in front of them and leads them in a line to the
been sung. that music or art or drama or poetry touch the spiritual aspects of our nature,
who holds the peacock plumes over her left arm. It is to be conducted by the Vice President-pledge Education in the
As always, the lines face inwards toward the initiates. responsibility and privilege of each new member within the chapter and the
counter-clockwise direction with the rising steps in time to the music until
sung, Iris takes her place at the left side of Eirene, facing the initiates, and
written, carved, or painted or to be otherwise communicated either directly or
Worn
ADMETE: Let us now close our rites according to tradition by the
are dressed again. EIRENE: The frame of the lyre is fashioned of gold, signifying
"Greek Chant." With this clearly in mind, do you desire
which holds within its pages the keystone of our philosophy. seriously and privately with he: new member, stressing the individual
In this valley dwelt a maiden. Outside the Temple
An alternate formation is offered in those situations where the number
about the Fraternity, the beliefs upon which it was founded, its development and
the right of Pretanis,
Since you understand and agree to our prerequisites for pledging, will you
each chapter to perpetuate the use of our Ritual with a correct understanding of
Eunomia guards the temple door and makes certain that only
The
chapter members. individual, and as an Alpha Chi Omega, you have met the first challenge toward
will then lead them before Pretanis in a slow step. The new members, led by their mystagogues, take their places among the
Initiates repeat: I am ready. Eirene
constant striving for excellence' in our individual and collective endeavors. ceremony provides you, the initiate, with an opportunity to experience a very
We have bestowed
its face. reach the heights and were hindered on all sides by unforeseen obstacles. It is
yourselves have taken here, for in the name of those vows, I hold each of you
initiates. of the Red Carnation" and reads with feeling:
such a gift be given, and, to this day, the red carnation inspires us and
remember that the deepest joy in life comes from giving of yourself. The answer is: 'I am ready. ' Our beloved symbol,
college regulations. I am about to
motto,
Dike.
Fraternity. Pledge Record Book. When this exchange is concluded. returns to her center position, and the Hours then rotate to their right to turn
Seventh Formation
ready for the Oath of Allegiance?
pans picturing the trinity within our Ritual.
responsibilities of the First Degree of Initiation that will lead to the
In turn, the
ADMETE: The deepest thought of Fraternity is its oneness, and this
Pretanis should have a list of the mystagogue-mystagee
Iris
Fraternity. have learned here, you must attune your heart and mind to the great hear: and
the Hall of Strife and Darkness, where along life's pathway there are many
When Admete says, "As you take this emblem" Eirene takes the
Chi, How We Love Thy Name" is sung. The Song of Welcome is played through once by Euterpe as the line of
The first path leads to the Hall of Wisdom. When all are in place, the soloist sings
this Bond all things pertaining to our solemn rites, known to the Outer World as
most important ceremonies. this ceremony a pageant, a pan of the great cultural heritage passed down to us
dramatization of our ideals set against a backdrop of classical Greek mythology. New members sign names, etc., while the chapter sings appropriate Alpha Chi
Iris speaks. All
One of those designs, done by Founder Ina May Boles, was adopted the head of the Patron Goddess, Demeter, in the center, the name of the Fraternity encircling it, and the date of the Founding below. Each mystagogue or steps behind her assigned new member as the appointment is
Iris takes her place at the left side of
look upon the mysteries pertaining to the temple. Are you
The formation as indicated in the drawing should
First, cultivate ambition and industry
focus the eyes of all sisters on our common bond and common purpose: the
Then they raise their left arms, holding the
Euterpe plays and the last verse of the Songof the Living Lyre is sung
Omega. But you must go forth again into the Outer World which is
reminds us of hope that is ever green and love that never fails. is based and provides a framework on which those ideals can be reinforced. the five letters of Alpha and Omega.
Co-operation.' ADMETE: You have now heard The Bond of Alpha Chi Omega. a sister in the Bond of Alpha Chi Omega. I give the lyre into your keeping. First Formation changes to the Second Formation. all my earthly temples. the goal. but it is never to be viewed as a religious ceremony. Chi Omega officials have denied using a coffin in their initiation ritual. PRETANIS: As a chapter, we are about to participate in one of our
members in front of the Hall, and upon this clue, this line turns to its right
will find the Three Stars: Faith, Hope, and Love, plucked from the veil of Hera
Hebe's reply is the cue for both of them to
By its very nature, ritual is not modernized., or this thread
In order to understand and enjoy your initiation more fully, you should know
focus of intellectual pursuit, and the imagery exhibited in mythology was viewed
Scarlet brings visions of love, strength, good cheer and happiness. Remember, also, that
First, cultivate tolerance and open-mindedness. highest attainments. ADMETE: The second path leads to the hall of Devotion. allegiance. Chapter members in the sides of the lyre raise the bottom of the backend of
IRIS: Eunomia is the Goddess of Good Order and Keeper of the
, means goodness,
upon the altar. the essence of our teachings? From this time forward we expect you to join with us in bringing honor to the
Second, strive for physical perfection. The message spoken by our Ritual therefore appeals to more than just our ears
Enjoy your initiation, and yet listen carefully-for in the precepts it
the ball of that foot, they begin the dance. mysteries of the Hall of Achievement. To all of which I pledge my most solemn word of honor. Upon
of achievement. We bind ourselves to regard as sisters all those who enter herein; to extend
She walks through the center
right and chapter members walk slowly in a counter-clockwise direction,
Eunomia follows the line of
EUNOMIA: There is a legend concerning our flower, the red
The initiates
The circle continues to move in a
In the name of Hera, I greet you as one of her followers, and welcome you as
immediately returned to safe keeping in the locked storage area. addition of another life of undivided loyalty, love and achievement. in a counter-clockwise direction with the last person in the line stopping at
When the S.H. Iris turns the initiates in their places to face toward
Chi. Golden Key whose mystic sounds unlock its treasures. the death of Orpheus, greatest of the Greek lyrists, Zeus placed his lyre in the
IRIS: The Hall of Wisdom will reveal to you the meaning of our
Eunomia
pledge pins to the Vice President-Pledge Education who then works her way down
EUNOMIA: Are you alone? Eunomia closes the Ritual of Alpha Chi Omega and lays it on the table. responsibility and privilege of each new member within the chapter and the
maiden, who, daring to seek her aspirations, achieved the heights. throne, and upon this cue, this line turns to its right arid members walk slowly
Because of this, many believe this story is Ritual and therefore should be kept secret. Eunomia joins Dike and Eirene in the base. The Bond of Alpha Chi Omega to which you have already sworn
complete fulfilment and appreciation of Fraternity. by the scroll which represents our secret Bond.